The Wicked Wife's Dark History Keeps Coming Back To Haunt Her - Chapter 26
“…Did you say that woman has stopped loan sharking?”
“Yes. Discreetly, I found out that she promised to return all the money she received if they identify those who’ve been leaking her activities.”
Those who leak information.
The incidents she caused were always sensational enough to double the sales of gossip magazines.
An incident worth selling to the tabloids meant it was not something easily buried, even if the servants’ mouths were sealed.
Finding the culprit wouldn’t be easy.
There was likely no servant who didn’t talk about her actions.
After Jeffrey finished his report, Ash remained silent for a moment before dismissing him.
“…You may leave.”
Once alone, he placed his fountain pen on the desk with a loud click.
“…Honey, is there any woman in the world who wouldn’t be hurt by hearing her husband say he’s not attracted to her?”
Her pale complexion, shadowed blue eyes, and sorrowfully slumped shoulders, combined with her damp voice, suddenly came to his mind.
Realizing that she could indeed be hurt, the recognition that he had said something he shouldn’t have left him feeling uneasy.
“…Maybe she’s lost her mind.”
Whether she was hurt or not, what did it matter to him?
Had she really been hurt at all?
Seeing that she sent her maid to the dress shop right after reclaiming the management rights from the head maid, it seemed she hadn’t changed her ways.
It seemed that being harassed by his wife for so long had messed with his head.
He was angry and annoyed at the thought that he almost believed her, and he nervously brushed his hair back.
Knock, knock.
“It’s me, Your Grace. May I come in?”
“…Come in.”
At his permission, a soft-spoken, white-haired man with thin silver glasses gently entered the room.
It was Hozi B. Summerden, a baron and his aide, who had previously taken a personal leave of absence.
“Your Grace, I brought a gift to celebrate my return. Can’t you greet me a bit more warmly?”
What on earth is he up to now?
Ash frowned at the sight of Hozi’s sly smile.
“What gift?”
Seeing his typically cheerful demeanor might make one think he had a good nature, but that was a mistake.
Especially when his characteristic squinting eyes became even narrower?
“It’s a gift for a Duke who’s never once played the part of a proper son-in-law.”
It meant he was planning someone’s misfortune.
“Son-in-law, you say… Did you find a weakness of House Taylor?”
“Weakness? Please, call it a lovely gift.”
“Wrapping a scheme in pretty words doesn’t turn it into a gift. Stop the nonsense and get to the point.”
Hozi pouted, pretending to be offended by Ash’s harsh response, and then spoke.
“There’s an issue with the supplies for the charity event.”
“Issue?”
“The warehouse is infested with pests. The stored beans and nuts are moldy.”
The charity event, held twice a year, was a noble duty. Royalty and high-ranking nobles would donate funds or goods to showcase their generosity and influence. This time, Ash had donated a massive amount of food supplies.
In terms of quantity, it was enough to feed 10,000 people…
For the starving poor, even such food would be gratefully received, but at the charity event, royalty and nobles would share the same food.
This was because the Emperor believed that to be a good leader, one must understand and consider the circumstances of those below.
While one could prepare separate food for the royalty and nobles to avoid complaints, doing so would inevitably lead to gossip.
Ash asked with a serious expression.
“There were no issues during inspection. Did something happen during transportation to the capital?”
“The weather in the capital has been poor all summer. It’s been continuously raining, making it very humid.”
The food supplies were stored in a warehouse at one of House Bayern’s villas.
And that warehouse stored not only Bayern’s supplies but also those sent by other nobles.
“…And what does this have to do with the gift?”
Ash’s jaw tightened in irritation as Hozi smirked.
“The one who caused the problem is the Courtney Viscounty.”
Hearing the familiar name, Ash’s gray eyes gleamed sharply.
